Survival · 1998 · 48 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesInternational RelationsPolitical ScienceInternational Political EconomyInternational SecuritySecurity StudiesForeign PolicyForeign Policy Decision-makingGeopoliticsGulf StudiesOil EconomicsStrategic StabilityGeopolitical EconomyGulf Energy PoliticsGulf Oil EconomiesGulf Political EconomyGulf PoliticsGulf SecurityOil PricesUnited States Foreign Policy
AbstractThe Persian Gulf's security remains a strategic challenge for the global economy. Asia's need for more Gulf oil coincides with further proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; declining support for American policy towards Iraq; and the Caspian Basin's emergence as a region of geopolitical competition. Today, low oil prices are one of the most serious sources of instability in the Gulf. The continued crisis over Iraq and the US stand-off with Iran are reminders of the region's volatility. It is time to re-evaluate American policy. The initiatives taken by President Bill Clinton's administration to improve relations with Iran are constructive, but the unresolved problem with Iraq remains the most dangerous issue.